Grapevine sprays second time for West Nile virus

The city of Grapevine sprayed last week after receiving official confirmation that two mosquito samples in Grapevine had tested positive for carrying the West Nile virus.

A positive mosquito sample was detected in the 2700 block of Whitby Lane (Yorkshire Park) and one in the 1800 block of Hall-Johnson Road (Pleasant Glade Pool).

Mosquito control ground spraying was conducted on Aug. 13.

The areas sprayed were within a half mile radius of the 2700 block of Whitby Lane and within a half mile radius of the 1800 block of Hall-Johnson Road.

The city’s first positive mosquito sample was detected in the 2600 block of Briarwood Drive near Fire Station No. 3 and the city sprayed on July 9.

While the insecticide is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for treatment, residents should take precautions during spraying.

Those precautions are:

• Residents in the above area should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors
• Keep windows and doors closed during spraying
• Persons inside a vehicle while trucks are actively spraying should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner on until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible
• Persons out during the scheduled spraying time should be alert for trucks and should not follow them
• Cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths
• Bring pets inside for the night
• Bring in pet dishes or cover them.

Residents who come in contact with the spray are advised to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. The spray breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight and has no residual effect. If you have health problems, such as asthma, take precautions as directed by your doctor, if necessary.

Grapevine residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and apply a mosquito repellent that contains DEET.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding: Residents should eliminate any standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of West Nile virus. Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys, clogged rain gutters and French drains. Standing water should be eliminated promptly.

Complimentary mosquito dunks that may be placed in standing water that cannot be drained are available at the Municipal Service Center at 501 Shady Brook from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To report standing water or mosquito problems, Grapevine residents should call 817-410-3330. For additional information on mosquito control, visit GrapevineTexas.gov.

On Aug. 12, Tarrant County notified the city of Colleyville of positive test results for West Nile virus in two mosquito samples.

The samples were taken from the 4100 block of Windermere Court and the 300 block of L.D. Lockett Road. These are the second and third samples that have tested positive this year, and the first for each of these two sites.

Larvicide treatment at both test sites has begun, and each is scheduled for continued testing.

This story was originally published August 18, 2015 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Grapevine sprays second time for West Nile virus."